Vendee Globe - Safran skipper seeks a new experience

Marc Guillemot who had an exceptional voyage in the last Vendee Globe and came in third, will be lining up once more in just 10 days for the start of the 2012-13 edition. For his second non-stop solo round the world voyage without external assistance, the skipper of Safran tells us about his expectations, hopes and goals.

Marc, why set off on a second Vendée Globe?

'Quite simply because I still want to go out there and do battle out on the water. Since we began this project, the Vendée Globe has been one of the main goals for Safran. As soon as we completed the last race in 2009, I knew I’d be back again, because I really wanted to sail around the world in a different way, trying to eliminate as many of the mistakes as possible from the last one. I want to experience a different Vendée Globe this time.'

How do you imagine this Vendée Globe?

'Like many of the other competitors, I discovered this race four years ago. At the time, I rather under-estimated the 'Vendée Globe adventure'. We set off to race and achieve the best performance we can, but I now know from experience, that adventure is part of the game and cannot be avoided. The Vendée Globe offers a host of unknown elements and unexpected incidents that you have to deal with on a daily basis. Last time around, I went through a lot of things I hadn’t intended to find. This time, I know even before setting off that I’m going to have to deal with the unexpected.'

Do you have the same worries that you had the first time you set off or is it different because of your experience?

'Four years ago, I didn’t feel any apprehension, so I don’t know why I would today. I feel quite serene as I tackle this final run up to the start. We have all worked well on Safran, made a lot of progress and all of the measures that were taken took us in the right direction. Today, we have a boat that is a good performer, is competitive and reliable: that’s what allows me to feel calm and not to go in for any soul searching.'

What about your goals in this Vendée Globe? What exactly are they?

'We never set off in a race with any other goal than to win. But in reality, the goal of all goals is to complete the voyage in les Sables d'Olonne in good condition after sailing all the way around the world. If we achieve that, it will already be a result. Being there at the start is one thing, but being there at the finish is something else.' Vendee Globe website

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